Military Headset: What Should You Consider When Buying?

A headset is undoubtedly one of the most critical tools and accessories a military must have in the cockpit. It facilitates communication even in the most dangerous situations and also protects our ears.

Our hearing system can amplify sound between 2,000 and 5000Hzand is sensitive to sound frequencies which range between 20Hz and 20,000Hz. Exposing your ears to any sound above this limit might damage the inner ear parts. It can also result in a permanent hearing loss.

Hearing loss is irreversible, and that's why every military must have a decent tactical military headset. Choosing them might be quite daunting, and that’s why we have discussed the most crucial things to consider while buying a military headset. Hopefully, this information will guide you to make a well-informed decision. 

Buying a safe military headset is a vital decision to make in regards to safety. Below are the key factors you should consider while buying the ideal military headset:

• Compatibility

Will the perspective headset fit well with your current equipment? Will it fit well with the helmets? What about the face masks that your crew is currently using? If they don’t fit well, what investment can you make to ensure that the compatibility is enabled? Make sure that you purchase a headset which fits well with your existing tools.

• Bone conduction

New models in the market work well although they are costly than the originals. The bone conduction receivers lie flat on the mandible to transmit sound to the ears clearly through vibration. The vibrations keep the ear canals safe from the background noise. Although the conduct systems are expensive, their services are remarkable.

• Headset battery life/talk time

How long does the headset last? Purchase the headsets which do not require constant battery replacement. Look also for the batteries which have a shorter charging period. The battery cell duration is normally given in the manual. You can also ask your seller about its durability.

• Comfortability

Does the headset fit well under your helmets? A safety communication headset which doesn't fit well might impact the helmet positioning and eventually affect its effectiveness. You can consider using a Sensors smart Plug earpiece; which is specifically designed for excellent comfort in places where communication is critical.

• Ability to create awareness

There's nothing as terrifying as losing your bearings in the often confusing environments. The best headset should provide a high situational awareness level to keep you informed of whatever happens.

• Wired vs. wireless

Wireless connections reduce the use of cables and wires. Often, the members might have them running on their bodies and prevent them from snagging into their new environment. Wireless connections offer a Push to Take Connection (PTC) which can be mounted in any part of the body. The downside of these wireless systems, however, is that the can be finicky or cut out in the importune moments.  Bluetooth connection is the best wireless connections today that you should consider.

• Dual-ear vs. single ear

Users can either choose between the dual ear and the individual ear. One downside of the basic headphones is that they have a limit of the ear's ability to detect the origin of the sound. The single headphones allow one ear to remain open thus making it possible to identify the source of the noise well.

Some products come with the advanced digital signal processing (DSP) which allows the brain to process the origin of the sound by replaying the sounds. The models are however costly, and they might cause make the users sweat to get in the ears canal.

• Faster execution, better precision

Hands-free communication means that the entire crew can hear the instructions, signals and even directions without stopping work. They help to execute the operations quickly with greater precision.

• Reduction of noise-induced fatigue

Wearing military headsets for communication protects your hearing and also reduces the noise-induced Most of them are comfortable and you can, therefore, wear them for a long period

• Prevent injuries

Headsets provide a quick alert which prevents hazards and damages in case of unfortunate events.

• Coach and rain in real time

Military headsets allow you to apply new procedures without interfering with one's comfort or ongoing activities.

There are a few types of military headsets whose distinguishing features are based on their general look, and the noise reduction technology.

• In-ear vs. the on the ear

On-ear is the most popular type of military headsets. It includes the highly reputable brands like Light-speed, Sennheiser, Bose, and David Clark. On the other hand, in-ear headsets use little speaker plugs that are kept inside the ear. Although they are quite unpopular, they are more comfortable and have a lower weight. Common in ear examples includes the Clarity Aloft and the Faro Air.

• PNR Vs. ANR & DNR

This category is based on the noise reduction technology used on the headset.

• Passive noise reduction (PNR)

They have a noise suppressing foam which passively reduces the sound by blocking the sound coming from the outside. They are the cheapest among the others,

• Active noise reduction (ANR) and dynamic noise reduction (DNR)

The ANR headset reduces the sound with the headset electronics to suppress the unwanted noise. They are battery powered and usually operate below 300Hz. Conversely, the DNR headsets are lighter than the ANR. They provide an extra noise canceling level by using digital electronic techniques. These headsets suppress noise signals of up to 3500 Hz.

Below are the top picks for military headsets in the market today:

• Light-speed ZULU.2 Aviation Headsets

Light-speed Zulu 2 uses a comfy architecture and an active noise reduction to give their users a run of their money. They have a streamlined design which keeps the headband light but sturdy, and a mic with a unique diaphragm for excellent voice reduction. They feature an accompanying voice case which you can use to hide other document and accessories. Light-Speed has an unbeatable combo of sophisticated looks, agreeable fit, and immaculate customer service.

• David Clark DC PRO-X-Hybrid Electronic Military headset

David Clark beats prices while still keeping up with the design and general appearance. With well-articulating arms and a complicated suspension assembly, this tactical headset creates an effective sound sealing mechanism. It features leather padding on both sides as well as a head pad which provides an ample relieve to all kinds of pressure. You can connect this DC pro headset to other devices through Bluetooth or other wireless connections. Above all, it's light, convenient and its audio is remarkable.

• Sony WH-100XM2

Sony WH-100XM2 is a hunky headset with sturdy padded metal frames which fits comfortably on your head. They have a high end looking design and 28-hour long-lasting battery life. The sound is easy to customize through the Sony headphones connections app which allows you to change the room effects, codec and sound profile settings as well as the noise isolation level. What's more, the headset supports both LDAC and aptX HD for the better sound product. 

• Bose Quiet Comfort 35 11

The Bose Quiet Comfort headsets are the best Bluetooth military headphones we've tested so far. The set features a comfortable on-ear design and a well-balanced sound system which packs a perfect bass. It has easy to use controls and an excellent wireless range which can support more than one connected device. The noise cancellation feature is ideal whether in a noisy flight or an ambient chatter bus. The battery lasts for more than 20 hours of continuous use and takes only 2 hours to be fully charged.    

• ASA HS-1 Military headset

Featuring dual volume controls, the KA-1 headset offers a flexible mic boom, an aux audio input for your phone and excellent noise reduction as well. It also Guarantees extreme comfort with its ultra-soft ear seals. It boasts of large dual controls which guarantee a quick and easy volume adjustment in each ear.

The microphone and head plugs are gold plated to resist corrosion and to ensure the best connection. It’s strong, reasonably priced and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Although it doesn't have the Bluetooth wireless connection, the core Aviation is among the top rated military headsets which protect your hearing while giving maximum comfort.

You always get what you pay for. As discussed above, different headsets do not guarantee the same comfort or durability, and this means that you should be extremely careful while buying them. The best quality military headsets can last for more than a decade, especially when handled well.

If possible, carry out adequate research about the seller and look for referrals lest you purchase a fake military headset. Above all, take proper care of the headset as given in the manual instructions and it will last for An extended period.

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